Saturday, April 25, 2009

The Return of a Blogger

I'm glad to announce that the funk has given way to a brighter, lighter me.

Time for the era of no obligation and no rules blogging.

In my absence I looked back over several posts and realized how many times I said something similar to, "Sorry I haven't posted lately" or "Sorry I haven't been by your site to read lately". The sentiment was sincere in each case, but I came to realize that I was starting to blog out of some sort of feeling of obligation rather than for the pure joy of it. This more than any other reason, led to burn out.

So how do I avoid falling into that cycle again? Simple. I will post here or read other blogs when time allows and I feel like it. By no means do I say that in a callous way, just as a statement of how I wish to proceed.

Now, all of that sounds so serious after reading it again, but rest assured, I'm the same old guy beneath it all.

Thanks to you that have commented lately or sent emails with your well wishes. Each and every one of them are appreciated.

25 comments:

Anonymous said...

That's good news. Good approach as well :)

quilly said...

It happens to all of us. When blogging starts to feel like a job, we need to step back and take a vacation!

none said...

That's a major cause of burnout.

Just do what you feel..it's only the internet

Gene Bach said...

Did you get my well wish? If not, here it is: you're a loser.

Ron said...

Howdy Jeff!

So GRRRRREAT to see ya!

Way to go, bud!

When the pure joy is not there, there's no point. So you're right, do as you feel...blog when you want and visit when you want.

Glad you're back!

oh, and here's some of these in case you need them...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mel said...

Geeze it's a tough act to follow when you follow Ron.



(((((((((( Jeff ))))))))))

:-)

Just smilin'.
Cuz.

Akelamalu said...

That's the only way to blog! :)

Welcome back.

Sandi McBride said...

Sounds like a plan, Jeffafah...I couldn't resist dropping by...so glad to be home from hospital and back on my computer visiting my pals! Have to go find POW and catch up there, too!
cudos on your courage!
Sandi

Dana said...

Funny how that happens - so subtly to, but soon it just kind of takes over.

What's even more odd is that those of us who enjoy reading you will tell you again and again that we have no expectations - we just enjoy it when you have time for us!

Welcome back! In whatever capacity that might be!

Jeff B said...

Thanks all. It's good to be back in the posting mood again.

buffalodick said...

I try to respond to people who stop by my blog, or are interesting. I try to be polite and also post something of worth.. If it stops being fun, or worth while, I won't do it. Good to have you back!

Jay said...

If you approach blogging with no sense of obligation, you may find you feel like blogging more often!

This is the only way to blog, in my world. ;)

Travis Cody said...

It's way better when we remember our own particular blogging purpose.

Glad to see you back buddy!

Sandee said...

You've been gone? Just kidding. You've gotta do what you've gotta do.

Have a terrific day. :)

The Teamster said...

i'm new to blogging and only blog when i feel like it.....

Sometimes I don't have time to comment on those who comment on mine......

I read my mom's blog daily and don't always comment....

I'm not going to post or comment just to fill space......

post when you feel like it and comment when you feel like it...

advise from a recently "broken in virgin?"

glad you're back though...

we're going to be in your neighborhood around the 15th-20th of may..I'm not sure the rules of engagement for bloggers....are bloggers real people or just virual?

Jay said...

Bout time you came back .. Uh ... I mean, welcome back! ;-)

#1 to remember about blogging is that you aren't obligated to post or to read. If you fall into the trap of "sorry I haven't posted" then you start feeling obligated and then it isn't nearly as much fun.

Finding Pam said...

Jeff, I think we all understand completely how you feel. In fact, I am in the same situation as you as far as blogging. Nothing to write about and tired of not having anything to say.

Personally, I hope to see you post because I think you are funnier than all get out. Take care friend and enjoy life bc it is way too short.

Jeff B said...

As you have all indicated, the no obligation approach is definitely the way to blog. Amazing how simple it sounds when you say it out loud. Hmmmm

Hey Teamster,

I'll see if you have an email listed on your site. It's possible I'll be in San Diego on the 14-15, but should be around the other days.

It'd be great to have a chance to meet you while your in the neighborhood.

Schmoop said...

Yay Jeffy. Cheers!!

Dr.John said...

Enjoy.

Roan said...

Glad to see a new post. I agree with your comment attitude. I often feel like it's a job, and feel guilty if I don't make it around to comment on the blogs of those who have visited me. I've cut way back on blogging and commenting the past couple of months. If it isn't fun, what's the point?

Cath said...

Well Jeff, that is exactly how I ended up too and do you know, this "no stress" blogging is real fun. I don't sign into memes every week. I do them if I like. And I do them *shock horror!* before the due date or even days late!

I just do what I want now and it really has brought the joy of blogging back. I visit folk - I go in phases really. Sometimes you will see me every day for a week, then not for a few weeks! But people who are real friends understand all that because they have all been there before and done that. Compared to most people I am still fairly "new" - only been blogging just over a year. But people stay with me (for some inexplicable reason) as I stay with them (because they are good bloggers.)

Good to see you back, and I look forward to when you want to post.

nitebyrd said...

When it becomes a "job" it loses it's appeal. Having fun and being able to vent without guilt is the best way to go!

Vinny "Bond" Marini said...

Dear Mr. Jeff..it is nice to see your words once again populate the blog...

I have had this conundrum before...you must blog for you - not out of obligation.

Desert Songbird said...

I couldn't agree more about how and when to blog. I'm lucky if I can get two posts up a week; three if I'm really feeling creative.

I'm just glad you're not leaving permanently!